Chris Coleman should not become Wales manager - Iwan Roberts

Former striker Iwan Roberts says Chris Coleman should not succeed the late Gary Speed as Wales manager.

After resigning from Greek club Larissa, Coleman admitted he was open to the idea of talks over the role.

But BBC pundit Roberts says that Coleman's mixed managerial record counts against his appointment.

Roberts says his old Wales team-mate Coleman, 41, was "unlucky" to be sacked as Fulham boss in 2007, but that his career has since "gone backwards".

Former defender Coleman started his managerial career at Craven Cottage in 2003 following six years there as a player.

But he was sacked four years later, going on to Spanish club Real Sociedad and resigning from that role before a stint at Coventry that ended with his tenure being terminated in 2010.

Coleman took over at Larissa in May 2011, resigning over the club's financial difficulties this week.

The Football Association of Wales interviewed Coleman for the position during the process that resulted in Speed's appointment in December 2010.

Roberts says Coleman "did a fantastic job at Fulham", but added: "Since then, it's sort of gone backwards for Chris.

"He didn't really do the best... at Coventry. He struggled there in all honesty.

"He's been managing in Greece now. We all know that he's resigned from his post there and I'm not too sure if Chris would be the answer."

Wales captain Aaron Ramsey joined fellow players Gareth Bale and Ashley Williams in calling for Speed's assistants Raymond Verhaijen and Osian Roberts to remain part of any new set-up.

The Football Association of Wales has assembled a six-man panel, led by president Phil Pritchard, to appoint Speed's replacement.

FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford has said it is "too early" to say whether an appointment will be made before the friendly with Costa Rica in Cardiff on 29 February.

Ryan Giggs has been suggested as a contender, while Verhaijen and Roberts are keen to retain their roles.

Coleman, who has won support from former Wales midfielder Mickey Thomas, suggested that he would be willing to work alongside the pair if he took over.

Roberts has urged the FAW to make a prompt appointment to prepare for the start of the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaing in September.